West Busselton (WA)

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Based on demographic evaluations by Districts using updated figures from the ABS and census-validated new addresses, the suburb of West Busselton has an estimated population of 9,516 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 647 residents (7.3%) compared to the 2021 Census count of 8,869. The updated figure is derived from the June 2025 ABS Estimated Resident Population release showing 9,355 residents, supplemented by 101 new addresses verified since the census. This population size results in a density of 1,164 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical suburban averages. The 7.3% growth rate is within 2.0 percentage points of the national expansion rate of 9.3%, indicating solid underlying growth. Inward migration from other states was the primary growth driver, accounting for 83.0% of the total population increase during the latest timeframe.

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The local workforce is evenly distributed between professional and trade roles, with retail and hospitality sectors representing key sources of employment. The unemployment rate is low at 3.2% as of March 2026, which is 0.3% below the Regional WA average of 3.5%. However, the labor participation rate is low at 59.0% compared to 65.6% across Regional WA. According to census records, a modest 6.0% of workers operated from home, though this figure was influenced by pandemic-related lockdown measures.

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Based on tax statistics for the financial year 2023, personal income levels in the suburb of West Busselton track below national averages. Taxpayers record a median income of $45,277 and an average income of $59,796, compared to $59,973 and $74,392 across Regional WA. Adjusting for a 10.93% rise in the Wage Price Index since the financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 stand at $50,226 (median) and $66,332 (average). Census data from 2021 places household, family, and individual incomes between the 12th and 21st percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket contains 27.5% of residents (2,616 individuals) earning $400 - 799 weekly, which differs from the metropolitan area where the - range is most common at . Housing affordability is low, with residents retaining only of their income after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile.

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At the time of the latest census, the housing stock in the suburb of West Busselton consisted of 85.7% detached houses and 14.3% medium or high-density dwellings, compared to Regional WA where houses made up 88.5% and other structures 11.6%. Outright home ownership is high at 38.6%, with the remaining properties split between mortgaged homes (31.5%) and rentals (29.9%). The median mortgage payment of $1,625 per month is higher than the regional average of $1,560, and the median weekly rent of $340 is also above the Regional WA average of $265. Locally, mortgage repayments are lower than the national average of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the Australian figure of $375.

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Families comprise 64.4% of all households, consisting of couples without children (30.3%), couples with children (22.8%), and single parents (10.6%). Single-person households make up 32.7% of the area, while group households account for 3.0%. The median household size is 2.3 individuals, which is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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Educational attainment is low, with 16.4% of residents holding a university degree compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 11.7%, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.4% and postgraduate degrees at 2.3%. Vocational qualifications are common, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (30.4%).

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The local transit network consists of 59 active bus stops. These stops serve 2 routes and supply 159 weekly passenger services. Accessibility is good, with residents living an average of 263 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb of West Busselton is primarily residential, resulting in high outward commuting. Private vehicles are the dominant transit mode at 90%, while 2% of residents cycle. Car ownership averages 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A low 6.0% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data collected during the pandemic.

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Health outcomes are lower than average, with chronic illness and mortality rates elevated compared to regional benchmarks. Approximately 51% of the population (~4,847 residents) hold private health insurance, which is lower than the Regional WA average of 56.4%.

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Cultural diversity is low, with 81.7% of the population born in Australia, 89.3% holding citizenship, and 94.7% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 45.9% of the population. Islamic adherents represent 0.8% of the community, which matches the Regional WA average of 0.8%.

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The median age of the population is 46, which is older than the Regional WA average of 40 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is large at 13.4%, while young adults aged 25 - 34 represent a small segment at 8.7%. Since the 2021 Census, youth aged 15 to 24 grew from 10.1% to 11.5%, while children aged 5 to 14 decreased from 12.4% to 11.3%. By 2041, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 39% (adding 323 people to reach 1,151 from ), while contractions are expected in the + and to cohorts.

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West Busselton currently has an estimated 437 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 290 children aged 0-2 and 193 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 10% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 23% by 2041 (to approximately 539 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 970. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 8.4 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.